Launched on 26th February 2019 by the Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Government of Haryana, the Financial Assistance to Women and Girl Acid Attack Victims scheme is designed to restore dignity and provide support to acid attack survivors. The scheme provides a monthly pension-based financial assistance to eligible women and girls who have suffered disfigurement or disability due to acid attacks or similar corrosive substances, helping them rebuild their lives.
Benefits
- Pension-Based Assistance: The financial aid is calculated as a multiple of the monthly pension under the Divyang Pension scheme.
- Dignity Restoration: The scheme aims to help women and girls regain their right to live with dignity by alleviating financial hardships caused by acid attacks.
- Timely Support: Benefits start from the month of application, ensuring prompt assistance to the victims.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Must be a resident of Haryana.
- Gender: Must be a woman or girl.
- Injury Requirement: The applicant should have suffered disfigurement of any part of her body or have become disabled due to an acid attack or exposure to a similar corrosive substance.
- Incident Date: The acid attack must have occurred on or after 2nd May 2011.
- Residency Duration: The applicant must have been residing in Haryana for at least 3 years since the acid attack.
Exclusions
- Applications by a woman/girl who has self-inflicted acid injuries, whether advertently or inadvertently, are not eligible.
Application Process (Offline)
- Visit the DSWO Office: During office hours, the interested applicant (or her parent/legal guardian) should visit the Office or Sub-Office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO).
- Collect Application Form: Request the prescribed hard copy of the application form from the designated staff.
- Complete the Form: Fill in all mandatory fields, attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required), and include copies of all necessary documents (self-attested if needed).
- Submit the Application: Hand in the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the DSWO.
- Obtain Acknowledgment: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the DSWO that includes the date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Note:
- Applications can be made on behalf of the victim by her parent(s)/legal heir(s) if she is unable to apply herself.
- For minor victims, the application may be submitted by a parent or guardian.
- For married victims, the application can be submitted by her husband, parent, or guardian.
Documents Required
- Medical Certificate: Issued by the Medical Board at the District level where the application is made.
- FIR/Complaint Copy: A copy of the FIR or complaint lodged.
- Application Copy: A copy of any application made to or benefits received from the Women & Child Development Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is eligible for the Financial Assistance Scheme for Women and Girl Acid Attack Victims?
A1: The scheme is available to women and girls residing in Haryana who have suffered disfigurement or disability due to acid attacks or similar corrosive substances, provided the incident occurred on or after 2nd May 2011 and they have been residents of Haryana for at least 3 years post-attack.
Q2: Is there any age limit to avail of the benefits of this scheme?
A2: The scheme is designed for women and girls regardless of age, though the application for minor victims must be made by a parent or guardian.
Q3: What are the documents required to apply for this scheme?
A3: Applicants must submit a medical certificate from the District Medical Board, a copy of the FIR/complaint, and any supporting documentation related to benefits received from the Women & Child Development Department.
Q4: How can an acid attack victim apply for this scheme?
A4: Applications are submitted offline. The applicant (or her legal representative) must visit the District Social Welfare Officer’s office, collect the application form, complete it along with the required documents, and then submit the form.
Q5: Is there any application fee to apply for this scheme?
A5: No, there is no application fee associated with this scheme.
Q6: What is the last date for applying for this scheme?
A6: There is no specified last date mentioned in the guidelines; however, applications should be made as soon as possible to ensure timely assistance.
Q7: Is there any income limit for the applicant to be eligible for this scheme?
A7: No income limit is specified; the primary eligibility criteria relate to residency, gender, and the impact of the acid attack.
Q8: Can an acid attack victim who has already received financial assistance from other sources still apply for this scheme?
A8: Yes, provided that the assistance under this scheme has not been received previously, as the undertaking requires that the victim has not availed this benefit from any other government department/board.
Q9: Can an acid attack victim who has not reported the attack to the police still apply for this scheme?
A9: The guidelines require a copy of the FIR/complaint, so reporting the incident is necessary for application.
Q10: What is the purpose of providing financial assistance to acid attack victims under this scheme?
A10: The financial assistance is intended to help restore the dignity of acid attack survivors by providing them with a monthly pension that supports their living expenses and rehabilitation, mitigating the financial burden associated with their injuries.
Q11: Can the financial assistance provided under this scheme be used for any purpose?
A11: The assistance is provided as a pension to support the victim’s living expenses and rehabilitation and should be used in a manner that helps improve their quality of life.
Q12: Can an acid attack victim apply for this scheme multiple times?
A12: No, the scheme is designed as a one-time benefit provided from the month of application.
Q13: Is there any provision for review or appeal of the decision of the District Social Welfare Officer?
A13: Yes, victims can seek review or appeal through the designated channels provided by the Department if they disagree with the decision.
Q14: Can an acid attack victim who is not a resident of Haryana apply for this scheme?
A14: No, only residents of Haryana are eligible to apply for this scheme.
Q15: Is the financial assistance provided under this scheme taxable?
A15: The guidelines do not specify taxation; however, victims should consult relevant tax provisions or a tax professional regarding the treatment of such benefits.
Q16: Is there any provision for the renewal of the financial assistance provided under this scheme?
A16: The assistance is provided as a continuous monthly pension from the month of application; renewal is not applicable as long as the eligibility criteria are met.
Q17: Is there any provision for the payment of the financial assistance in instalments?
A17: The assistance is provided as a monthly pension, which can be considered as periodic instalments over time.